How To Build a Strong Design Portfolio for University

How To Build a Strong Design Portfolio for University

Applying to university design programs, especially in graphic design or architecture, means your design portfolio is your most essential tool.

It's more than just a collection of your work; it's a chance to show the admissions committee who you are as a creative person, how you think, and how you tackle challenges and opportunities.

Plus, it reflects your personality, vision, and artistic journey! The real challenge is creating a portfolio that meets expectations and wonderfully exceeds them.

Over the past decade, I've had the fantastic opportunity at CounsellingX to review hundreds of student portfolios. I always feel excited when I discover exceptional work that shines in execution and creativity.

Every year presents a similar scenario: many average submissions, a few outstanding students who truly shine, and occasionally, an extraordinary talent that leaves me in awe.

I've spent considerable time contemplating this phenomenon, and a significant factor is that numerous students are balancing distractions and other academic commitments, which can hinder their perception of design studies as a pathway to a professional career.

Additionally, many students may not fully understand what agencies seek when assessing portfolios for prospective interns or junior designers.

This article outlines essential tips and advice I've provided students to improve their work presentations when pursuing their first job opportunity.

This advice is based on common sense, but some points may offer new insights. Whether you're seeking admission to a university, about to graduate, recently graduated, or pursuing a second career as a designer, I hope you find these tips valuable.

Number of Projects to Show

For a student design portfolio, consider including around eight projects.

Why eight?

Reviewers have limited time in person, online, or through your website and social media.

In my experience, showcasing only 4-5 projects may imply a lack of work. Conversely, presenting 10-12 projects can overwhelm a busy art director. You can demonstrate variety and depth without excess by choosing about eight.

This number also creates a balanced visual grid on your site, giving it a clean and substantial feel. Compiling 10 projects initially and then curating the selection based on the studio examining your work.

Types of Projects to Showcase

When creating your portfolio, you must demonstrate various works regarding subject matter and presentation. Include at least three of your best projects as anchors for your portfolio.

Considering your audience's limited time and attention spans, I suggest starting with a powerful piece, sharing a more unconventional and memorable work in the middle, and concluding with another strong selection.

When it comes to the subject matter, there are indeed no wrong answers. Still, I recommend considering the following list as a starting point:

• Display at least one project highlighting your typographic strength, with a preference for fresh, modern type choices.
• Include several case studies showcasing your ability to bring a brand to life across various audience touchpoints, illustrating how the brand message adapts to different media. Ensure your photography is compelling.
• Feature at least one culturally relevant project with social significance.
• Discuss a project that showcases a passion of yours; enthusiasm is key!
• Presenting a self-initiated project completed outside the classroom is beneficial to demonstrate your commitment to design beyond academic requirements.
• Avoid including incomplete work or too many isolated experiments, as they can be challenging to understand and require excessive explanation.
• Sharing glimpses of your process in one or two projects is valuable, but don't overindulge; I enjoy seeing the insightful work that remains unseen.
• Strive to present student projects professionally, as if you were being paid for the work!

Balance Creativity and Usability

Creating an effective design portfolio involves more than simply showcasing your creative talents; it is equally essential to prioritise user experience and navigation.

The admissions committee will appreciate a portfolio that allows them to find the information they need without frustration quickly. To achieve this, focus on crafting a well-organised, clear, and concise structure.

Start by establishing an intuitive navigation system that guides users seamlessly through your work.

Consider categorising your projects by type, medium, or creative process, which can help viewers locate specific examples that resonate with their interests. A responsive design is also crucial; ensure your portfolio is easily viewed on various devices, from desktops to smartphones.

When it comes to the visual elements of your design portfolio, utilise high-quality images, videos, and mockups that authentically represent your work.

Strive to strike a balance; while it is vital to showcase your best pieces, overcrowding your portfolio with an excessive number of large files can lead to slow loading times and a frustrating experience for the viewer.

Choose a selection of your most substantial projects demonstrating your skills and thought process.

Additionally, do not overlook the importance of a dedicated contact section. Include your email address, phone number, and links to your social media profiles or other online platforms, such as LinkedIn or a personal website.

This allows interested parties to contact you quickly for potential collaborations, job opportunities, or inquiries about your work.

Combining a visually stunning presentation of your projects with a user-friendly experience and clear contact options, you can create a portfolio that highlights your creativity and is a joy for others to navigate.

Design Portfolio Structures

Ideally, every student should be able to present their design portfolio physically and online. A website and a presentation in Keynote or Google Slides are essential.

It's crucial to recognise that the experience of viewing a website or PDF independently differs from that of an interview setting. Therefore, you must customise your portfolio to accommodate these varied experiences.

While a physical design portfolio or book is optional, having your work available in a presentation format on a laptop or iPad during meetings is beneficial.

Bringing printed examples, such as books, zines, or records, can enhance your interview as you discuss your projects.

Recommended portfolio formats:

• An impressive presentation created in Figma, Keynote, or Google Slides
• Optimise this presentation into a PDF that can be attached to an email or linked through Dropbox or Google Drive.
• A personalised website built on any web development platform, avoiding a simple template installation
• Although a physical portfolio isn't necessary, consider gathering your printed samples in a book or folder that you can present during meetings.

Importance of Your Website

Creating a design portfolio website can seem daunting for many students. Still, it is essential since your site is likely how most people will view your work.

Before diving into the building process, collecting all the project assets you will need is essential.

You may be tempted to construct a site on platforms like Squarespace, Cargo, Webflow, WordPress, or Wix. However, resist that impulse until you have gathered all your raw materials.

After collecting all your materials, I recommend beginning the design of key pages in Figma. Why choose Figma? It is rapidly becoming the preferred design software, similar to Photoshop and Illustrator, particularly for website design.

Before you start in Figma, take the time to look at various sites with case studies and gather references that inspire your work. An important detail to remember is the grid of thumbnails that displays your projects.

Each thumbnail should be visually striking to entice viewers to click and view the complete project. While you can include animations in your project thumbnails, remember that visitors have limited attention, so present your work clearly and invitingly.

Furthermore, it's essential to optimise your site for smartphones. You may need to develop alternative, more vertically-oriented presentations of your projects to ensure they look great on mobile devices.

Your website must include a homepage showcasing a grid of your work, individual detail pages for each project and an about page. Focus on these three essential screens, ensuring they are optimised for desktop and mobile before tackling other components.

Depending on your portfolio, consider designing each project page in Figma to determine how you'd like to display them.

Although it might appear tedious and time-consuming to create everything in Figma first and then recreate those screens in a site builder, I've found it's much easier to make adjustments in Figma than to design while building in the site builder.

Website Tips

• Collect all your raw materials first.
• Compile site references that inspire you.
• Create key desktop and mobile screens in Figma.
• Focus on designing stunning project thumbnails that showcase your work effectively.
• Begin building the site only when you are satisfied with the design.
• Any site builder is acceptable, provided you don't rely solely on a default or existing template.
• Ensure the site reflects your style, is well-crafted, and looks great on smartphones.

MockUp Insights

Mockups perfectly illustrate how a visual design can adapt to various applications and formats.

Nonetheless, some students mistakenly believe creating a mockup will improve their work. This is untrue. Mockups present your work as if it existed in the real world, enhancing its credibility.

However, enhancing believability does not equate to improving quality.

When assessing a design portfolio, the type of mockup you employ is irrelevant if the fundamental elements of your design choices are not clearly and conceptually established.

I urge students to prioritise the design system, articulating it as a coherent set of tools involving type, colour, image, and form. Clearly expressing how the design system functions will enhance the presentation of the form factors that illustrate its effectiveness.

Remember, not all mockups are equal. Resources like Graphic Burger are widely accessible, which means using such mockups carries the risk of others having encountered them before, potentially undermining the value of your work.

I highly recommend creating your mockups and photographing your work. Exceptional photography of your work is irreplaceable. Another option is to present your work in 3D, which, while popular, can be pretty time-intensive.

Programmes like Adobe Dimension, Blender and Cinema 4D are available but demand significant time to learn and master.

Tips for Mockups 

• Establish your design system first.
• Avoid using agency work for mockups; it's poor practice!
• If you opt for mockups, ensure you pay for them. Create your own.
• Nothing surpasses a great photo of an actual artefact.
• If you incorporate 3D, you should be ready for a learning curve.
• Don't display items against a blank background. Provide context about their intended purpose.

Describing Your Efforts 

When you're just starting, explaining your work can be challenging, mainly if much of it stems from class projects. Presenting your work as a project is essential instead of mere class assignments.

To avoid over-explaining, consider using subtle labels like “thesis project” or “brand exploration.” In a presentation setting such as Keynote or Google Slides, limit yourself to one slide outlining the project problem and solution.

The “problem” refers to your identified situation that requires attention. At the same time, the “solution” describes your approach to addressing the core concept. Ensure that this slide includes visuals to enhance understanding.

Project explanations should be straightforward and quick.

The main focus should be on highlighting what makes your solution unique. Don't assume that the viewer automatically understands your project's purpose. For instance, if your solution utilises a formal device as a metaphor for the client's mission, it's important to clarify that.

In reality, the most successful projects are usually easy to explain.

Creating a tagline for each project that captures its rationale and value is advisable, so consider placing this below the project title. If it helps, jot down key talking points for each project, but avoid reading them word-for-word.

Effectively articulating your work in a concise and captivating way is crucial. Consistency, context, brevity, clarity, and interest are vital elements.

I urge all students to create a Google Doc that gathers language for all their projects. This document enables you to evaluate your words independent of the project visuals, helping you to assess whether the writing is coherent and clear.

Additionally, it facilitates making your explanatory writing more uniform in length across different projects. Writing about your projects can be challenging.

Review project descriptions from other agencies and portfolios online and analyse what appeals to you in them. These can serve as sources of inspiration and starting points. Once you believe your writing is solid, have at least 1–2 people review it for feedback.

Writing Tips

• Emphasise clear and concise communication

• Utilise a Google Doc to gather your language

• Project descriptions must be understandable even without images.

• Ensure project descriptions are of comparable length

• Gather feedback from several reviewers

Open the Door to Opportunities

In recent years, virtually all interviews for entry-level design roles have shifted online. Consequently, a prospective agency encounters your email, resume, and a PDF of your design portfolio or website.

The effectiveness of your email, resume, and portfolio will carry out the initial critical tasks. Agencies receive numerous monthly emails from young designers eager for internships or full-time positions.

This raises an important question: how can you distinguish yourself and ultimately secure an interview?

First and foremost, the quality of the work is paramount. Reflecting on the ratio of acceptable, impressive, and outstanding projects I observe in design students each year, your projects must exhibit excellent fit and finish.

There are several key indicators I consider. One of the most significant is whether the individual is engaged with the broader realm of graphic design, showing an awareness of contemporary trends and striving to produce modern work.

Ultimately, this hinges on a designer's mastery of style and understanding of the current design landscape.

If you're a student passionate about design beyond your class requirements, you'll likely find yourself exploring agency work and following outstanding designers on Instagram. This exposure will be reflected in your work.

Success depends not just on your technical skills but also on your choices in colour, modern typefaces, composition, motion, and more. You've satisfied the initial criteria if your creations feel current and demonstrate that you're engaging with relevant concepts while crafting your work with care and elegance.

Your email and resume should reinforce your experience. If writing isn't your strength, consider using Grammarly and Chat GPT. Customise your email to the agency by mentioning their work, expressing what you admire, and explaining why you would be a suitable candidate.

Be truthful and concise, and prioritise showcasing the value you can offer the agency and your career aspirations.

Consider these critical factors when contacting an agency:

• Cultivate a deep passion for design and ensure that your work embodies this passion.  
• Strive for the highest quality in your work.
• Students often overlook this, finding it trivial; however, if there's an opening for an intern or junior designer, clearly declare that you are applying for that role.  
• Highlight the agency's projects that excite you the most.  
• Briefly explain your interest in the role and why you believe you are a suitable candidate.  
• Avoid sending the same email to multiple agencies. I have frequently received emails from students who mistakenly refer to the wrong agency because they forgot to update the name. Please avoid this mistake!  
• Ensure your resume is visually appealing without being overly designed. It's essential to include your skills and the software you are proficient in.  
• A recommendation from a teacher or professional can be incredibly beneficial. I have had educators or colleagues alert me to a student's design portfolio they believed would be a good match.
• If you're submitting digital files (like a PDF), rename the file with your last name. Consider the recipient; how many “resume.pdf” files do you think they receive?

Get Feedback and Improve

Think of your design portfolio as an exciting journey, an evolving representation of your skills and experiences, rather than a static, finished product.

This journey involves a commitment to continuous improvement, which stems from seeking feedback from various sources, including admission committees, potential employers, and industry professionals.

Don't hesitate to contact your peers, mentors, clients, or fellow designers for their honest and constructive insights.

Engaging in open conversations about your work can provide valuable perspectives you might not have considered, helping you pinpoint specific strengths that set you apart and areas that could benefit from enhancement.

Take their advice to heart; it's an opportunity to discover new ways to refine your craft and elevate the quality of your portfolio.

Furthermore, to keep your design portfolio fresh, stay proactive about adding new projects, honing new skills, and showcasing your recent achievements.

As you progress in your career, ensure that your portfolio reflects your current work and demonstrates your growth as a designer.

Regularly revisiting and updating your portfolio showcases your evolving expertise and keeps it relevant in a fast-paced industry. Embrace this journey of exploration and refinement, and your portfolio will become a powerful tool that articulates your brand and the unique value you bring to potential employers. 

Your Appearance and Demeanour

Presenting yourself as your best self during an interview is essential, whether in person or online.

There's no need for overly formal attire, but dress as if you're heading to work while allowing your style to shine through. It's natural to feel nervous; however, focus on relaxing and being genuine.

Let the interviewer steer the conversation and be poised to engage with questions and answers. For virtual interviews, ensure your background is tidy.

As long as your surroundings are organised and reflective of you, you're in the clear. I prefer minimal distractions during video calls, so I advise against blurring or using virtual backgrounds.

First impressions should emphasise authenticity while showcasing the finest version of yourself. You should envision yourself two years down the line and project that vision forward.

Appearance and Personality Considerations:

• Be authentic, but dress appropriately for work, even in virtual settings.
• For Zoom calls, tidy up your background; a made bed and some plants can enhance the view.
• Communicate clearly without being overly lengthy.
• Maintain a positive attitude without exaggerating your accomplishments.
• Don't hesitate to ask questions, express curiosity, and maintain eye contact!
• Express gratitude and appreciation for the interviewer's time.

Final Thoughts

As you begin your first design role, it's common to observe a divide: students often seek to comprehend design themselves, while design firms focus on completing tasks.

This doesn't mean you won't learn on the job; you undoubtedly will. However, it's essential to demonstrate competence that showcases your creative and execution progress in alignment with the agency's demands. 

Access to design references and resources is readily available in today's world. Just as with music, art, or any other passion, those invested in graphic design will delve deeply and possess a genuine desire to learn as much as possible.

This enthusiasm should equip you with sufficient knowledge and skills to secure your initial position. Your level of craftsmanship will distinguish one opportunity from another. 

The effort you dedicate to refining your creativity as a student and emerging designer will yield significant rewards in your professional life.

Focus on developing your critical thinking and mastery of the craft. Gather references, reflect on your work, and iterate and engage with your creative peers daily to build your design portfolio.

This journey allows you to carve out your unique path as a designer, which is only as fulfilling as the energy and skill you invest in every endeavour, regardless of its perceived importance.